I have been thinking a lot lately about the how the concepts of creativity, risk, and success are interrelated. Does a person or an organization have to be a risk-taker in order to be creative and thus successful? Does being risk-adverse result in creative stagnation and mediocrity at best or blatant failure at worst?

I was reminded the other day about a speech given by Sir Ken Robinson at the 2006 TED Conference, where he said, “if you are not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything creative”. He goes on to say that “we have become frightened of being wrong and stigmatize mistakes.” So Sir Robinson might argue that taking risks and not letting fear get in the way of bold action will result in higher levels of creativity and an increased probability of success.  read more »

Earlier this summer, Fast Company Magazine published a list of cities they deemed to be “Fast”.

What makes a city fast? In their words,

“It starts with opportunity -- a culture that nurtures creative action and game-changing enterprise. It's where the number of patents filed is high, or where the high-tech sector is expanding. These cities invest in physical, cultural, and intellectual infrastructure that will sustain growth. Finally, fast cities are full of highly creative people.”  read more »

So what fast and fabulous places around the world made the Fast Company list?

In my work, I often think about change – how to manage it, inspire it, and lead it. But changing the systems within which we operate often involves changing minds and shifting paradigms.

Last Friday, the Calgary Arts Development team had the opportunity to have breakfast with Johann Zietsman, Executive Director of the Mesa Arts Center. Johann shared a story with us that I feel illustrates how the arts, and field bands specifically, can be a powerful catalyst in shifting paradigms and transforming lives.  read more »